Bush-Kerry Debate Draws 62.5M Viewers

 
Bush-Kerry Debate Draws 62.5M Viewers

NEW YORK - With an estimated 62.5 million viewers, the first Bush-Kerry debate was a television hit and provided evidence of the intense interest in the presidential campaign.

The viewership was up 34 percent from the 46.6 million people who watched the first debate between George W. Bush and Al Gore (news - web sites) in 2000, according to Nielsen Media Research. That 2000 debate also had competition from a baseball playoff game.

Up 34%, amazing! This could be devestating for Bush. I can't wait for the polls.

During the debate, television cameras ignored Bush and Kerry campaign wishes that they not air reaction shots -- and President Bush (news - web sites)'s occasionally peeved expression showed why they didn't.

Cameras caught the president occasionally showing irritation during some of Sen. John Kerry (news - web sites)'s responses. Kerry, for the most part, maintained a stoic expression and jotted notes.

The meticulous agreement between the Bush and Kerry camps on debate logistics called for television cameras to remain trained on the candidate speaking. None of the networks played along, arguing reactions were part of the story.

Kudos to the networks for ignoring the ridiculous rules.

The second presidential debate is scheduled for Oct. 8. Fox will not televise that debate because of baseball playoffs.